Texas food stamp income limits depend on household size and change each year
Texas uses the federal income limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which increase every October. The limit is based on your household size, not on how many people you feed. A household of three has a different limit than a household of four, even if they live in the same apartment.
Income limits in Texas for the 2024–2025 program year are roughly 130% of the federal poverty line for most households. This means a single person earning around $1,550 per month or a family of four earning around $3,200 per month would be near the cutoff, though the exact figure changes annually. Your state's Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) publishes the current limits on their website each year.
The income counted toward this limit includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support you receive. It does not include some types of income like certain student loans or certain disability payments, depending on the circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Texas food stamp income limits are set federally and increase each October based on poverty guidelines.
- The limit applies to your total household income, not individual earnings, and varies by the number of people in your home.
- Earned income, Social Security, and unemployment all count toward the limit, but some income types are excluded.
- You can find the current year's exact limits on the Texas HHSC website or by contacting your local food stamp office.
How household size affects your income limit
The more people in your household, the higher your income limit. A single person has the lowest threshold. Each additional household member raises the limit by a set amount that the USDA adjusts yearly.
Texas counts a household as people who live together and buy and prepare food together. A roommate who buys their own groceries is not part of your household. A child living with you is part of your household even if they do not have their own income. Elderly or disabled relatives living with you also count as household members.
| Household Size | Approximate Monthly Income Limit (2024–2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | Around $1,550 |
| 2 people | Around $2,100 |
| 3 people | Around $2,650 |
| 4 people | Around $3,200 |
| 5 people | Around $3,750 |
| 6 people | Around $4,300 |
| 7 people | Around $4,850 |
| 8 people | Around $5,400 |
These figures are approximate and change annually. The Texas HHSC updates the exact limits each October. If your household has more than eight people, contact your local food stamp office for the correct limit.
What income counts and what does not
Gross income — what you earn before taxes — is what Texas counts, not take-home pay. Wages from a job, self-employment income, and tips all count. If you receive unemployment benefits, Social Security, or child support, those amounts count toward your limit.
Some income does not count. Student loan disbursements are excluded. Certain disability payments, depending on the type, may not count. Refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) do not count. Money from selling personal items or receiving gifts also does not count.
If you are self-employed, you report your net income — what you earn after business expenses. Keep records of your income and expenses so you can show the food stamp office how much you actually made.
Deductions that can lower your countable income
Even if your gross income is above the limit, certain deductions can lower the amount that counts. Texas allows deductions for things like dependent care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members, and shelter costs (rent, mortgage, utilities).
If you work, you also receive an earned income deduction of 20% of your gross wages. This means if you earn $2,000 per month, $400 is deducted before your income is compared to the limit. This deduction exists to encourage work.
These deductions can make a real difference. A household that appears to be over the income limit may still be within it once deductions are applied. This is why it is worth reporting all your expenses when you provide information to the food stamp office.
When your income changes during the year
Your income limit is checked when you first report your situation to Texas HHSC. If your income drops during the year — because you lose hours at work or a household member's job ends — you can report the change. Your case may be reopened or adjusted.
If your income rises above the limit, your food stamp benefits will end. Texas gives you a notice before this happens, usually with at least ten days' warning. If your income later drops again, you can reapply.
Some changes, like a temporary job or seasonal work, may not affect your may be able to access if the office determines the income is not permanent. Report changes as soon as they happen rather than waiting for your next review.
How to find the current income limits for your household
The Texas HHSC website publishes the current income limits each October. You can also call your local food stamp office — the number is on your SNAP card or on the HHSC website — and ask what the limit is for your household size.
Many community organizations and food banks in Texas also have this information and can tell you whether your income falls within the range. If you are unsure whether you meet the limit, it costs nothing to report your situation to the food stamp office and let them determine it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we live together but file taxes separately?
Yes. If you live together as a household, all income from both spouses counts toward the limit, regardless of how you file taxes. The food stamp office counts household members, not tax filing status.
What if I have a child who works and lives with me?
Your child's income counts toward the household limit. However, if your child is a full-time student under age 22, some of their earned income may be excluded. Report your child's income to the food stamp office and ask whether any portion is deductible.
Can I be over the income limit and still receive food stamps?
In most cases, no. However, if you are elderly or disabled, you may be in a different category with different rules. Contact your local food stamp office to ask whether you may have access to under a different standard.
How often do the income limits change?
The federal income limits change every October. Texas applies these new limits to all cases. If you were denied before, you may want to reapply in October to see if the new limits help your situation.
What if my income is seasonal or varies month to month?
The food stamp office averages your income over the past three months or uses an expected monthly average if you are starting a new job. Report all income sources and let the office calculate your average rather than guessing.